TEFAF Managing Director Departure Signals Continued Leadership Turnover at Global Art Fair

Dominique-Savelkoul. The TEFAF managing director departure from the institution  is raising concerns about management

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON   Dec 23, 2025, at 03:29 Updated Dec 24, 2025

Maastricht, Netherlands — The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) has confirmed the departure of its managing director, Dominique Savelkoul, after just over a year in the role, extending a period of executive instability at one of the world’s most influential art fair organizations. The TEFAF managing director departure marks another change in the position within four years.

In a statement issued to the press, the foundation said that it and Savelkoul “have parted ways due to differing views on the organization’s future strategic direction.” The announcement follows media reports over the weekend that first revealed her exit. It again places a spotlight on governance challenges facing the nonprofit foundation.

Savelkoul, a Belgian arts administrator, joined TEFAF in September 2024. She brought decades of experience from major cultural institutions. However, she had not previously led an art fair and was new to the commercial side of the global art market. This sector increasingly demands a blend of scholarly credibility, dealer relations, and financial oversight.

TEFAF Was Founded in 1988

Founded in 1988, TEFAF is best known for its flagship fair in Maastricht, held annually in March. Widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and prestigious art fairs worldwide, the event presents works spanning roughly 7,000 years of art history. These range from antiquities and old master paintings to modern and contemporary works. The 2025 edition marked the fair’s 38th year. TEFAF expanded internationally in 2016 with the launch of TEFAF New York, which focuses on modern and contemporary art and design. It takes place at the Park Avenue Armory.

Upon assuming the role, Savelkoul articulated an ambitious vision for the foundation, emphasizing its responsibilities beyond the marketplace. In official remarks at the time, she framed TEFAF as an institution with unrealized potential to broaden its societal relevance and scholarly contribution. She positioned it as a long-term steward of art-historical knowledge for future generations, including emerging dealers and collectors.

TEFAF president Hidde van Seggelen praised her appointment last year. He highlighted her international experience and pointed to expected gains in fundraising strategy, audience development, and visitor engagement. Her departure now raises questions about how the foundation will pursue those priorities amid continued leadership transitions.

Savelkoul’s Professional Background

Savelkoul’s professional background includes senior roles at the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Gallery in London. She also held a leadership position at the Ruhrtriennale, a major interdisciplinary arts festival in Germany. Most recently, she served as director of Mu.ZEE, a museum dedicated to Belgian modern and contemporary art in Ostend. She has also advised the Flemish minister of culture and holds a master’s degree in history and management.

She succeeded Bart Drenth, who stepped down in May 2023 following controversy related to social media posts concerning religion and cultural politics. His resignation initiated another reset in TEFAF’s senior leadership—one that has yet to fully stabilize.

TEFAF Announces Interim Managing Director

TEFAF has not announced an interim managing director or outlined a timeline for appointing a successor. Industry observers note that frequent executive turnover can complicate long-term planning, particularly as major art fairs navigate shifting collector demographics, heightened scrutiny of market transparency, and increasing competition from rival international events.

The foundation said further updates regarding leadership and strategic direction will be communicated in due course.